Downsizing the size of your home isn’t difficult. It is finding things to declutter to ensure you fit comfortably in your new space that is difficult.
My husband and I learned quickly how to declutter stuff from our home we didn’t need or want. Sure, a big part of this was because we moved out of a 1,400+ square foot house into a 600 square foot studio apartment, but we knew we were up for the challenge.
We realized that we don’t have to have a lot to be happy. In fact, I now know the opposite is true.
Because downsizing isn’t easy, I think it is necessary to walk you through my decluttering list before and after we downsized the size of our home.
The decluttering list before we moved were things we realized we didn’t need early into the process. However, it is the decluttering list after we moved that really opened my eyes to what we didn’t need.
Everyone is different, and the things you need are different from my needs.
So when you see that my iron and ironing board made the list, don’t panic! I’m not telling you that you don’t need them if you use them frequently. By all means, keep them. They haven’t been used in my home in, I’m not sure how long, so they don’t get space in my very limited real estate.
Another thing I would like to address is that I didn’t count each and every little bitty item because the true number would easily be over 1,000. Honestly, just thinking I decluttered over 1,000 items is crazy!
Things to Declutter When Downsizing
Before I get into my decluttering list, I want to share with you some quick tips for identifying what you can let go of when preparing to downsize yourself.
1 // Declutter Multiples
If you have several items that are the same, declutter them. They can take up a lot of space quickly, so be sure you only keep what you use.
2 // Consider your storage space
Does your smaller home have adequate storage space compared to where you live now? Most likely it doesn’t.
In this case, you need to have a priority list of what you’re willing to store in the space you have. Trust me, if there isn’t space for something low on your list, you really don’t need it.
You’ll make space for what is truly important.
Do not worry about a storage container unless there are moving schedule issues. A storage container enables indecision and costs you a lot more than keeping things that aren’t as important to you.
3 // Be ruthless and honest
Depending on how much you’re downsizing, you may have to declutter a lot more than you anticipate.
Be very ruthless in the things you keep and honest about what you truly don’t need. Ensure that the things you keep deserve the space they need.
4 // Get it out of the house quickly!
When decluttering to downsize, it is helpful to remove things from the house as quickly as possible.
This helps you see what you have that you feel is important. Over the period of a few days, your ideas of the things you’ve kept will adjust, and you will likely declutter a few more things.
5 // Declutter as you move into your new home
This is very important! As you move into your new home, you’ll see what you do and don’t have room for after you’ve moved.
Don’t clutter up a space just because you kept too much before the move. Give the items a second thought and declutter what you do not have space for now.
Things to Declutter When Downsizing
Anything mentioned in my lists was either donated, sold via a garage sale, or tossed, depending on their condition. I believe it is our responsibility to declutter responsibly and not simply toss everything in the trash.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Decluttering List Before We Downsized
Again, I just want to note that just because I don’t find things within this list useful doesn’t mean that you don’t find them useful.
This list consists of everything I can remember decluttering, but I promise there is more. When you’re downsizing, you figure out the difference between need and want, especially if your goal is to be comfortable in your downsized space.
Our specific goal was to have a home for everything we kept so that we knew where everything was when needed. We also wanted to feel like we still had plenty of space after downsizing and not be cluttered by our things.
Now that all of that is out of the way let’s get to this list! I’ve categorized things as best as possible, so if you’re looking to see a specific part of the list, you can.
Laundry Room / Cleaning Supplies Decluttered
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Sponges
- Old Floor Cleaner
- Mr. Clean Sponges
- 2 Windex bottles
- 2 Comet bottles
- All Purpose Cleaners
- Clothes Baskets
- Clothing Rack
- Bag Full of Hangers
Decor I Let Go Of
- Christmas Decor – one large tote full!
- Old Glass Jar
- 2 Baskets
- Wall Plates
- LOTS of Picture Frames
- Art Pictures
- Sofa Table
- Dining Room Table
- Patio Set
- Couch
- Candles
- 2 Vases
- 3 Decorative Pillows
- Floor Lamp
- Table Lamp
- Tall Bookcase
- Long Bookcase
- Walmart Bookcase
- 34Large Shelving Unit
- Fake Flowers
- 1 Plug-In Wax Warmer
- 3 Full-Size Wax Warmers
- 15 Wax Bars
- Dresser
- 2 Decorative Chairs
Kitchen Things I Decluttered
- Cookie Sheets
- K-cup Organizer
- Lunchbox
- Blender
- Expired Foods
- 2 Recipe Books
- 2 Large Pots
- 1 Pot Lid
- 1 Small Pot
- Several Kitchen Towels
- Apple Slicer
- Cups
- Mugs
- George Foreman Grill
- Duplicate Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Duplicate Everyday Utensils
- Tupperware
- Glass Containers
- Several Butter Bowls
- Serving Dishes
- Pizza Cutter
- Crystal Serving Organizer
- 2 Sets of Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Wine Bottle Holder
- Herbs & Spices [by accident!]
- Coffee Thermos
- Christmas Plates
- Christmas Place Mats
- Shot Glasses
- Cruise Ship Glasses
- 2 Red Solo Cup Wine Glasses
- Waffle Maker
- Complete Dish Set with Salad Plates and Mugs
- 2 Crockpots
Clothes Decluttered [several of each listed]
- Shirts
- Tank Tops
- Leggings
- Jackets
- Socks
- Undergarments
- Lounge Wear
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Swimsuits
Accessories I Never Wore/Used
- Most of my jewelry collection
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Beanies
- Hats
- 1 Pair of Shoes
- 1 Pair of Boots
- Sunglasses
- Brown Cross-Over Purse
- Grey Skirt Purse
Office Things I Decluttered
- Drawer Organizer
- Extra Paper
- Pens
- Pencils
- Paper Clips
- Binder Clips
- Binder Organizers
- Folders
- Highlighters
- Notepads
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Trash Can
- Old Bills
- Junk Mail
- Receipts [no longer needed]
- Coupons
- Paperclips
- Stapler
- 2 Tape Dispensers
- Old Textbooks
- Magazines
- Old Electronics
- Paperwork
- Stickers
- Fabric
- Yarn
- Crochet Needles
- Glitter
- Crayons
- Color Books
- Playing Cards
- Styrofoam Balls
- Push Pins
- Felt Squares
- Felt Balls
- Party Sacks
- Gift Bags
- Manuals
- Play Station
- X Box
- Storage Boxes
- Desk Organizers
- Backpack
- Computer Backpack
Massive Bathroom Declutter
- Beauty Samples
- Hair Care Samples
- Glass Case
- Contact Lenses Case
- Plunger
- Expired Medicine
- Skin Care
- Makeup
- Makeup Brushes
- Cosmetic Roll-Up Bag
- Brush Organizer
- 5 Towels
- 10 Wash Cloths
- Hair Band
- Broken Hair Clips
- Apothecary Jars [by accident… broken]
- 10 Nail Polishes
- Nail File Set
- Nail Care Kit
- Scale
- Perfumes
- Brush
- Comb
- Stretched Out Elastics
- Old Lotion
- Old Spa Products
Random Things I Decluttered
- Blankets
- 2 Scuba Gear Bags
- Photo Albums
- Books
- CD Collection
- Individual CD Cases
- Multiple CD Holder Cases
- Gardening Gloves
- Photos
- Sentimental Items
- Old Dance Costumes [from my childhood]
- Jewelry Box
- Dog Feed and Water Bowls
Who knew we had so much we did not need in our life?! As far as the space we freed to downsize, a close equivalent would be a two-car garage.
I will say we were not hoarders by any means.
Having 1,450 square feet to fill allowed us to have that much excess. With the exception of my Office/Craft Room, everything had a place. When we decided to downsize, we no longer had that much space to fill, and I wanted a clutter-free space.
Related Post: Tidying Goals that Were Achievable In A Weekend!
My husband and I discussed what downsizing would mean in terms of what we owned and decided the best thing was to let go of everything we could, which led us to continue decluttering after we downsized to ensure we achieved our goals.
Decluttering After We Downsized
This process was a bit different. We moved into our smaller space, and after some time passed, we felt like something was a bit off. My anxiety was a bit high, so I took some action to clear out a bit more.
Let me take you through the process of what I did, then I’ll share the decluttering list below that for you.
How I Decluttered Each Space
Decluttering the bathroom //
While the first thing I did wasn’t decluttering necessarily, I did paint my aloe vera pot white to create a calmer environment within my bathroom. A small and simple fix!
Decluttering the kitchen //
I moved all of the vegetables off the countertop to have more space. Replaced my two small utensil holders with one large basket to hold my utensils better. [I do not have a lot, but some pieces are bulky, and I like having them all together.]
I purged a few items due to excess. [These items will be listed at the end of the post.] I also ordered a sample of fabric to see if it would work to get the kitchen project completed.
Decluttering the living space //
I purged my book collection. Looking at it every day reminded me of which books I have not read and which books I need to finish. Asking myself why I needed a book helped a lot!
I let go of 40% of my collection by analyzing why I held onto a book! For the books I have yet to read, I read the synopsis to see if it still sounded appealing to read. If it did, I kept it. If not, the library received it!
Below are two pictures of the books I donated. The two towers were easy enough to make a decision on, and the other pictures were the two items I thought about before making my decision.
Decluttering the bedroom area //
I simply cleaned up the space, put everything in its place, and organized my clothes and shoes. I tried my best to simplify the appearance of what we have.
We do not have an enclosed closet, and having empty hangers bothers me! I caught up on laundry and hid the extras we had so that my mind could release this silly annoyance.
Everything else I decluttered //
I went through and tossed what was not necessary to keep. I have old sports awards that I want to keep, but I told myself I could only do it if it fit in my keepsake box.
Also, I had a couple of boxes to go through and sort and was able to clean out all of the boxes and rid them from our space. One box contained random cords, another contained office supplies and a box of things that accidentally ended up in the garage sale stuff.
Having these boxes out of the space is so nice! Since I do not have or need an office anymore, I took my supplies to work and actually used them instead of storing them!
Now I can look around my home and not see just-in-case boxes or a task I need to complete!
By the time I finished, I had 2 large totes and 2 boxes full of things to donate, 1 sack of things I tossed, and a more tidy space than before I started! How in the world did I still have so much excess?!
My goal now is to have the rest of my stored things organized into empty totes and get started putting my fall and winter capsule wardrobe together.
Now let us get to the list of what I donated! Starting with the list of home goods and then a list of the books I gave to the library, including the reason why I let go of each one.
Things Decluttered List After We Downsized
1 Three-piece jar set
1 full-size Christmas wax warmer
2 plug-in Christmas wax warmers
2 scarecrows on a stick
1 scarecrow and pumpkin decor piece
1 recycles glass bottle
3 Christmas wall plaques
1 Red Dish
1 Christmas 12 piece Dish Set
1 Serving Platter
1 Snowman paper towel holder
6 picture frames
100+ ornaments
2 crochet dollies[?]
2 Christmas decor wall plaques
1 Christmas card holder
1 organizer box
3 Christmas gift boxes [decor]
1 scarecrow candy container
1 Trick or Treat candy container
2 Red Beaded Christmas Tree cones
22 cabinet hinges [From a project that did not happen. Returned to store for store credit.]
1 Wine Glass
3 Baskets
2 Perfumes
1 blender cup
1 dish scrubber
1 reusable plastic bottle
2 small boxes of tea
1 plastic tupperware [does not match current set]
4 candles
1 salad lunch organizer
1 pair of earrings
1 blue blouse
1 pair of grey heels
1 vintage cream holder
11 scarves
1 toboggan
1 belt
3 pairs of jeans
1 pair of flip flops
1 random fork
1 feather [decor]
3 Christmas nesting bowls
3 Christmas dish cloths
1 pot holder
1 oven mitt
1 cake pan with lid
3 wooden cooking spoons
2 spatulas
1 cookie spatula
1 pair of tongs
4 vintage picture frames
20 old pictures [tossed… not going to donate pictures of myself, of course]
Several sheets and pillowcases I did not know we had [I repurposed these into shop rags for my husband.]
Downsizing was the best decision we could have made for our lives! It forced us to identify the clutter in our lives and allowed us to let go of personal attachment to items. This freed us from the stuff that did not serve a purpose in our lives.
Looking back at the things I tossed always leaves me baffled because I had no idea there were so many things clouding our lives that we truly didn’t need.
I know I always talk about how minimalism changed my life, but it definitely changed my husband’s life as well.
If you’re ready to declutter, I highly encourage you to check out my 30-Day Minimalist Decluttering Challenge. It will help you not only declutter your physical things but also your mind!
Also, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
My last baby went to college in August and I decided that at the start of the new year, we are going to get a dumpster rental and seriously declutter our home. It’s shocking how much junk we have stored in this home in the most random places after 5 kids and 27 years. Your list is so helpful and I’m so excited to have a clean, uncluttered home!
I’m so happy to hear this list has inspired you, Cheryle! It’s going to be a life changing experience for you! Please keep me updated with how things progress.
My great grand children have moved out of state. So I am going to purge most of their toys I have on hand then take them shopping when they visit for more age appropriate toys. (I miss them soooo much.)
I can imagine how much you miss them, Dorothy! I think that is a great idea to declutter things they won’t use the next time they visit.
We were never savers, since we had garage sales almost every year, but things do accumulate. I did make and have kept (at least for the last 20 months) the promise not to let more than 5% back in to the new house. In fact I still try to get rid of two things, for every one item that comes in. I think people “spend” ,…. pun intended… their 20s and 30s acquiring, their 40s and 50s maintaining and upgrading and 60s and 70s getting rid of STUFF!
That is an interesting outlook in the relationship to money and age. [love the pun!] I know my husband and I have spent our time acquiring things, but we try to do it more intentional that just having things. For us, it is so that we will have more flexibility to enjoy the life we worked so hard to build together. Since we are opposites when it comes to spending, one of us saves for important things and the other spends on them. It works out really well actually. I will be curious to see as the years go on if we continue to follow in the pattern you have laid out today.
We downsized after 30 years in the home we raised our four children in. I am a numbers person, and when we moved, we had gotten rid of 1365 items….. some as small as a CD, and as big as two couches, a snowblower and a generator. I love empty shelves, nothing on the floors in the closets or under the beds.
I am a numbers person, too, Chris! However, I did not dare count the items I got rid of just because I would probably freak out by the end of it. haha! Having white space in a home is so relaxing, and I am glad to hear you have that now.
I have to ask: how on earth do you iron your clothes? Everything else looks manageable. But iron and ironing board? And laundry baskets? Were they extras? And if not, aren’t those essential? I don’t even have to forget my clothes in the dryer to get wrinkles.
Kali, great questions! I don’t iron. My clothes are typically wrinkle-free when I remove them from the dryer. Using wool dryer balls helps decrease the wrinkles, I think. I used to have clothes in my closet that never saw the light of day, because I hate ironing. When I removed them from my wardrobe, I no longer needed my iron. The laundry baskets were extras. I only need two for my household, and there were a few extras.
Wow, Erin I’m inspired!! How do you survive without an iron and ironing board? 🙂 I want to start this too!!
Sam, my rule for clothing is it has to come out of the dryer wrinkle-free or I do not own it. I used to have several pieces that I loved, but would not wear because I am not going to iron them. It has made my life and my wardrobe less complicated and less time consuming! So glad I could help inspire you!
This looks like the list of things I get rid of this weekend when we moved! 🙂
That is great, Sarah Jean!! It is funny how we can get rid of so much during the moving process, but somehow it is more difficult when we are settled!
Wow. I am moving into a slighter smaller place in December (it’s the size of the apartment I had last year but moved into a bigger place but now losing 100 sq.ft.) so I’ve been thinking about what all I can get rid of. I want to slowly do this over the next 2 months so it’s not like “Bam! You got rid of all your stuff.” I’m hoping little by little will become a lot.” Thanks for the list this will help me a lot.
That is exactly how you need to handle it. Waiting until the last minute with either cause regret, or you will move too much into the space. I will say being brutal with yourself helps a lot! Good luck, Dia!
I am loving your site!! This afternoon, I have gone through all my old recipes and tossed out dozens that I have never tried and probably never will. The rest are in a notebook, and I have a home for some of my cookbooks already. Also, I’ve gone through some old clothes and my electronics drawer… I’m feeling better already. Thanks!! 🙂
Yay! That is awesome, Michelle! Keep up the great work!
Oh my gosh! This list is so inspiring! The kick in the butt I needed to read today. 🙂 I do have one burning question though: Did you have an extra iron, or do you not iron at all anymore? Because THAT is something I need to learn more about-haha!
Lyndsay, I am so glad I was able to give you that kick! Haha!! I am iron free! I got rid of anything that had to be ironed in my closet, because I would not wear it due to not wanting to iron. I had it for several years and can count on two hands how many times I used it. [sad, I know!]
That is so great Erin! I am all for simplifying my life! Thank you for the great motivator!
I am glad I could help, Bonnie!
That’s a great list! Downsizing always sounds so good but then it seems like it would be something we need to do when the kids are out of the house.
Thank you, Rachel! I am sure it is easier to do without the children home, but maybe start in areas that are not their spaces. Explaining to them that you are letting go of things you do not need anymore to give to those who do will inspire them to clear our a few of their things. Just a thought. 🙂
You are superwoman! I am way too much of a packrat and could never get rid of so much! That’s amazing!
Jessica!! Haha! You have totally make my day! I wish I was superwoman! This has all been in the process of a year. While most was at one time, I still continue to declutter. Trust me, no one is as much of a pack rat as I used to be! If I can downsize, anyone can!
Wow! This is awesome — good for you! Decluttering is something I definitely need to work on…
Thank you, Emma! It is definitely a process! Take it one step at a time, and you will be decluttered before you know it!
Thank you for the inspiration to do this to my house! I need it and we are getting ready to move!
Riley, that sounds like perfect timing! Moving and downsizing was how I found minimalism. Thank goodness, too, or I would be smothered in all of this mess still!
I so need to do this! My little place is getting way too cluttered!
Definitely do, Mary! You will love a decluttered home! [Trust me I have had both cluttered and decluttered!]
I’m trying to do the same right now….this list is so helpful!
Yay!! I am glad you found it helpful, Brianna! 🙂
Wow!! That is amazing! I need to do this!
Thank you, Aly! Definitely give it a shot! A little decluttering can make a huge difference!
Gosh, we accumulate so much stuff (JUNK) year to year! How awesome of you to get rid of it! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed it, Bridget!
Wow, I can only imagine how big the list would be for me-haha. It is amazing what you accumulate over the years though and the things you don’t really “need”. Great post!
It definitely is! Downsizing really helped me see all the excess we have. It was not easy to share this list, and I probably do not have every listed that I have “tossed”. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Good for you! One of these days, I’ll have to do this, too. One of these days …. 😉
Pamela, there is no time like the present! You do not have to sort through and “toss” as much as I did, but even a fraction of this list can make a difference!
What an amazing list! I know that when my husband and I were in college and living in tiny apartments, we just didn’t have the space for extra stuff and could only keep what we really needed. We are in a home now and have more room to spread out (and collect STUFF), but I am always looking around to see what I can get rid of.
p.s. Super excited to have you on the blog on Friday! 🙂
Shani, I wish we would have started out that way. With being unable to fill a 3 bedroom 1 bath home, it was easy to let things pile up in a room we did not use. Most of what was “tossed” came from that room. I am excited for next week’s post, because I have been able to shed a light on some other things that I have kept for who knows why! It will definitely be a thought provoked post!
p.s. I am too!! 🙂
Wow! That’s impressive! I consider myself a minimalist. I try and do a clean sweep of the house twice a year and donate tons! I dont know how we build up so much stuff considering I dont go out and buy stuff hardly ever! Kids, husband, pets, gifts and everything add up to a clutter! I want to go down to one car now that I’m a SAHM but I’m not sure its feasible for us.
Gifts and a husband can definitely be reasons for more to come into the home [I do not have children, but I am sure they are as well.]. I also do not shop often, and it is out of necessity when I do. We could not survive with one vehicle due to living in the country and working in opposite directions, but I admire those who try it!
Wow! You really did downsize! I love that you tossed the iron and ironing board…that made me smile. I hate ironing!
Oh, Jen, me too! I let go of anything that required ironing – mostly because I would never wear it! I can count on two hands how many times I have used it in the last 7-8 years, and that is not enough to keep it. My solution is a wardrobe that requires ZERO ironing!
I loooove this!!! Just goes to show how much “STUFF” we have that honestly we do not need!! They say a cluttered space is a cluttered mind, I should try to cleanse my office and see if I become more productive!
Thank you, Melissa! That saying is very true! I am not sure how well it works in the office, but in my home it has made a tremendous difference!
Wow, this is impressive! We need to seriously declutter our home. I need to be tougher when I go through things. I always get stuck on “well, we might need this” or feel sentimental over things I shouldn’t feel sentimental over!
I understand both of those instances, Kate! I still struggle with both of these. It is a process, and some days it is easy to let go of things while other days it is extremely difficult. Finding a day where you feel ruthless with your possessions is usually the best to declutter these difficult items – at least that is what works for me.
We’re moving into a new house and this is so helpful!
Oh good! Congratulations, Whitney! Moving can be so exciting, especially when you only move what you need!
I recently did a mini clean sweep, but you have motivated me to go full on! Thanks! xo ~Anna http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
That is great, Anna! Good luck!! 🙂
Wow! Just reading through your list seems so liberating! I think I’m okay about going through things… but then I really take a look around and I know I have so much more I could do!
This process is definitely a commitment! But it is really worth the effort, Justine! One step at a time each day can get you farther than you ever thought possible!
I can only imagine how freeing this would be! I need help getting rid of books, makeup, jewelry, and kitchen supplies! Good for you!
I struggled with these categories as well, Patricia. I am still struggling with my kitchen, but over time it gets easier. I have found that once you eliminate the easy discards, you can really focus on what you believe is essential. I have narrowed down much more than I thought I could have just taking it one step at a time. Feel free to contact me any time! I would love to help you in any way that I can!
De-cluttering for us means selling or giving 95% of what we own and moving into a fifth wheel trailer. In two weeks, as we move from this house, I’ll know for sure if we were successful.
This sounds wonderful, Margaret! I would love to minimize my possessions for a chance to travel! It just is not feesible for us right now! Please let me know how it works out for you!
This is so fabulous! I find that clutter accumulates SO easily! I absolutely love going through a room and just tossing things! It’s so satisfying and makes my life feel so much less cluttered (even if it is something as simple as a couple stretched out hair ties!)
I agree, Suzanne! It is the simple things that can really make an impact in simplifying your clutter.
This list is amazing! Pinning!
Great, Neely! Thank you!
Wow! I have minimalist friends and I’m always amazed. It’s a great way to live. So, you gave up ironing too? That sounds good!
You could say that.. It was more for the fact that I never used it and did not make time for it. I can count on two hands how many times I used my iron in the 7 years I had it.
Once I read this list, I’m thinking of all the things I should be “tossing” too! I have a ton of beauty samples that I should probably sift through. Eek! You’ve inspired my fall cleaning!
That is great, Melanie! I am so glad I could inspire your fall cleaning!! 🙂
I did a similar cleaning/organizing spree through my house earlier this year and everything just feel lighter. I need to do another one and write down what I’m tossing…to help me avoid buying new things! Awesome post!
That is a great idea, Liz! I have not thought of having the list as a reminder of what I do not need, but now I think I am going to start using it for that purpose! Thank you!
We are working toward de-clutter at my house and it can be hard but the areas we’ve been able to tackle are so nice to look at. There is so much we really don’t need.
Oh yes, Laina! It is definitely difficult to purge certain areas. I try to purge an easy area then use the motivation to work on the harder ones.
I would have such a hard time getting rid of so many things!
Taylor, it was not easy, but this has been a year’s worth of decluttering. I could not imagine purging all of this at once. It has definitely been a process. As my life simplifies, so do my needs. It has actually become very easy to distinguish what I need versus what I keep for not so good reasons.
Wow!! That’s amazing!! Though admittedly, I use my blender every single day so that thing could not leave my life! haha
Katie, I agree! I had two, so one had to go! 🙂
I definitely need to go through my home and purge! I lost count of how many times I was nodding my head at items on your list! You are inspiring me to declutter ASAP!
Do it, Erin! I promise with motivation, you will “toss” more than you thought possible and be so pleased with how clean and tidy things are after you are done!
Although not 600 sq my husband and I currently live in an apartment and just don’t have room for extra clutter either. I’m always amazed at things I feel bad about getting rid of…only to realize I never really needed it after all! We really need a lot less than we think.
That is so true, Sarah Jean! Now that I feel tidy in my home, I have a box available at all times for things I find throughout the month I no longer need. In the span of two months, I have found more than I thought I would to donate! Crazy how the less we have the less we want.
Wow you really downsized a lot!! That’s a whole lot of stuff. Glad some of it was donated because there are so many people that would love to have what we call our junk. This gives me some great ideas of stuff to get rid of the next time I decide to unclutter the house…it might be awhile though 🙂
I am glad I could help give you some ideas, Melanie! I actually have two more totes full of things to donate and give to family. If I cannot appreciate it, someone else can.
I love this post. With 5 kids in my house right now I can only dream of getting rid of clutter and downsize. It feels so good to get rid of things we don’t need anymore.
Thank you, Sara! Oh my, I could not imagine having 5 kids to clean up after, but we are an empty nest right now. Little by little you can get it done! Just work in the places that are in your control and work from there. 🙂
I really need to go throughout my house and throw out a lot of things that are just cluttering closets and drawers. I have so many things from college (I graduated in 2013) still cluttering our house!
I know what you mean, Ashley! I graduated from college in 2012 and just recently decided to give up my textbooks that I have not used in all that time!
Wow, you go girl! I’ve slowly been making some declutter/toss moves but still have a long way to go!
Thank you, Rachel! It has taken me a year to get this far, but the progress in that time has been worth every effort! Keep it up and you will get to where you want to be! 🙂
This was such a fun list to read! One of the things I love about pursuing simple living is that everybody has their own essentials. Getting rid of your apple slicer stuck out at me, because I use mine almost daily. I couldn’t count how much I have gotten rid of and am continuing to get rid of, but I will keep my apple slicer 🙂
Thank you, Kristal! If you use it daily, by all means it is essential! I have used mine twice in the several years that I have owned it. I love apples, but not my apple slicer.
Wow! That’s awesome that you were able to get rid of so much stuff!!! I got rid of a lot when we moved here but I’m going to get rid of even more when we buy our house and move again! <3
That is great, Susannah! I have been consistently working at it to get it where I want. I feel I still have a ways to go, but I have come so far that I had to share it with you! 🙂
Good for you!! I’m in the process of getting rid of so many things I don’t need… it’s so liberating!
Thank you, Esther! It definitely is!
That’s a lot of stuff! What did you keep? What things are essential for your life? I have recently downsized to 400 sq ft but I kept the iron and ironing board. LOL
Not very much! haha! I hate to iron, and maybe used them 5 times in the 9 years I owned them! To answer your questions in detail, I can probably write a full post! [Maybe even find more to purge!] We have everything for the bathroom and kitchen anyone could desire. I am still working on purging my kitchen. I use everything I have, but I do not like it all. I am working on switching a few things for things that will work better for my needs. I have a capsule wardrobe for everyday/work and a separate one for working at home [I live in the country, so it is a necessity.]. The only collection we have is my books, and they all fit in one bookcase. This is just a glimpse of what we have, but you definitely gave me an idea next week’s post!
You should invest in a Joy Manganous steamer from HSN. They’re small and easy to use at home and for travel. There are lots of color choices available
and inexpensive.
Wow! That’s awesome Erin! It looks like we might be moving into an apartment from a 1200 sq ft house and I’m feeling overwhelmed by all that we will need to get rid of. I think I can get rid of a lot but it takes so much work to find where to sell or donate it. You’re giving me some hope today! 🙂
That is so exciting, Christine! Best advice I can give you is to start immediately with sorting what can be “tossed”. The sooner you start, the easier it is, and it will allow you to see how much you have to move. When I realized how much stuff we still had, I was not happy and found more to purge. If you can store what you want to sell for a garage sale, I suggest to try that [maybe do a multiple family sale]. Otherwise, Facebook and Craigslist are really great sites to use. What size apartment are y’all looking to move into?
Craigslist free is a great place because there are a lot of people out there that can’t even afford to go to thrift stores.